Aftermarket interactive screen display conferencing station

ABSTRACT

A computer system includes an interactive screen display and a base computer. The interactive screen display includes a display module with a transceiver and display screen in communication with each other. The base computer is in communication with the display screen through the transceiver. The display screen displays graphics in response to the transceiver receiving a first signal from the base computer. The graphics displayed in response to the first signal corresponds to graphics displayed with the base computer. The base computer displays graphics in response to receiving a second signal from the transceiver. The second signal is provided by the transceiver in response to information being inputted with the interactive screen display.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application byCarlton Rebeske titled “TABLET LAPTOP AND INTERACTIVE CONFERENCINGSTATION SYSTEM, Ser. No. 10/753,021, filed Jan. 6, 2004, now pending,the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

This invention generally relates to computer systems used forinteractive conferencing, and more particularly to a computer systemthat utilizes an interactive screen display conference station.

2. State of the Art

It is often desirable to present graphics displayed by a single computerto one or more people. The graphics can be of many different types, suchas, but not limited to, text, figures, pictures and video, which arerepresented by pixels on a display screen. Since it is generallyinconvenient to have a large number of people gather around a singlecomputer to view the graphics, techniques have been devised to allowmore people to see them better and from further away. For example, alaptop computer can be connected to an overhead projector so thatgraphics displayed on its screen are projected onto a large projectorscreen. This is useful in several situations, such as in a classroom,seminar, and sales meeting, in which a presenter presents graphics for anumber of participants to view.

This technique has several drawbacks, however. For example, it is oftendifficult for the participants to refer to the graphics being displayedby the presenter, which makes it difficult to ask questions. Theparticipant can move to the laptop computer and point to the graphics onthe laptop display screen, but then the other participants may not beable to see what is being pointed to. The participant can also move tothe projector screen and point to the graphics there, but this is timeconsuming and inconvenient.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention employs a computer system which includes aninteractive screen display and a base computer. The interactive screendisplay includes a display module having components, such as atransceiver and display screen in communication with each other througha graphics card. The base computer is in communication with the displayscreen through the transceiver. In this embodiment, the display modulealso includes a display processor which controls the flow of signalsbetween the transceiver, graphics card and display screen, as well as apower system that provides power to the components included therein. Thedisplay module includes a housing which houses the transceiver anddisplay screen, as well as the display processor, graphics card andpower system.

The interactive screen display also includes a keyboard module adaptedto operate as a stand and input device for the display module. The basecomputer and/or interactive screen display generally include multi-mediadevices that operate as input and output devices. Examples ofmulti-media devices include audio and video devices, such as a videocamera, camera, microphone, and speakers. The base computer and/orinteractive screen display also include connectors, such as a microphonejack and video connector. The multi-media devices can be used to recordand store the interaction between the presenter and participants, aswell as transmit audio and video directly to the interactive screendisplay, such as when teleconferencing.

In accordance with the invention, the display screen displays graphicsin response to the transceiver receiving a first signal from the basecomputer. The graphics displayed in response to the first signalcorrespond to graphics displayed with the base computer. This is usefulso that several interactive screen displays can be deployed and used bya number of participants, who view the graphics being displayed by thebase computer.

The base computer also displays graphics in response to receiving asecond signal from the transceiver. The second signal is provided by thetransceiver in response to information being inputted with theinteractive screen display by a participant. This is useful so aparticipant can highlight graphics being displayed by the presenterwithout having to move away from the interactive screen display. Theparticipant can send the second signal to the base computer through theinteractive screen display so that corresponding graphics are displayedon the display screen of the base computer and the presenter can see it.The graphics from the second signal can also be displayed with the otherinteractive screen displays being used by the other participants.

The information is inputted with the interactive screen display in manydifferent ways. For example, it is inputted using a keyboard, computermouse, joystick, stylus, human finger and/or another peripheral inputdevice operatively coupled to the interactive screen display. Inparticular embodiments, the display screen is a touch sensitive displayscreen allowing information to be inputted using it.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present inventionwill be apparent from the following more detailed description of theparticular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computer system, in accordance withthe invention, which includes a base computer in communication with aninteractive screen display;

FIG. 2A is a side view of one of the interactive screen displays of FIG.1, which includes a display module and keyboard module in a storedposition;

FIG. 2B is a partially exploded side view of the interactive screendisplay of FIG. 2A, showing the display module and keyboard module in anunstored position;

FIG. 2C is a side view of the interactive screen display of FIG. 2A in adeployed position using the keyboard module as a stand and input devicefor the display module, in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the display module of FIG. 2A, in accordancewith the invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the keyboard module of FIG. 2A, in accordancewith the invention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a computer system, in accordance with theinvention, being used by a presenter to present information with a basecomputer to several participants who are viewing interactive screendisplays.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a computer system 10, in accordance withthe invention. In this embodiment, computer system 10 includes a basecomputer 21 which communicates with one or more interactive screendisplays. The communication can be established in many different ways,such as, without limitation, wirelessly, through wires, or combinationsthereof. The embodiment of system 10 in FIG. 1 uses a wirelessconnection and that in FIG. 5 uses a wired connection. Base computer 21can be of many different types, but for the exemplary purposes of thisdisclosure, it is a laptop computer, because a laptop computer is easierto move from one location to another. In this embodiment, there is oneinteractive screen display 12, although there is generally one or more.Interactive screen display 12 and base computer 21 are shown deployed ona table 80 so they are in a position of use.

In this embodiment, interactive screen display 12 includes a displaymodule 15 having a transceiver 128, power system 124 and display screen29 (FIG. 3) in communication with each other. Transceiver 128 can be ofmany different types, but it is a wireless modem here, and cancommunicate in many different ways, such as with Bluetooth or withinfrared signals. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, transceiver 128 is awired modem. Further, power system 124 includes a rechargeable batterywhich can be connected to an external power source through an electricaloutlet (not shown). In some embodiments, display module 15 includes adisplay processor (not shown) in communication with transceiver 128 anddisplay screen 29 through a graphics card (not shown). The displayprocessor processes graphical information so it is displayed on displayscreen 29. The display processor also operates as a controller thatcontrols the flow of communication signals between it and transceiver128 and the graphics card. Most of the information processing, however,is done by base computer 21 because the display processor has a reducedfunctionality, as will be discussed in more detail with FIG. 5.

In accordance with the invention, display module 15 includes a housing33 which houses its corresponding transceiver 128 and display screen 29,as well as the display processor. It should be noted that display module15 includes a single housing in this embodiment so it is more compactand easier to carry around and store. The single housing is usefulbecause it is easier to use as a tablet PC, as will be discussed in moredetail with FIG. 3. Interactive screen display 12 also includes akeyboard module 18 having a keyboard 17. In accordance with theinvention, keyboard module 18 is adapted to operate as an input deviceand stand for display module 15. This feature will be discussed in moredetail with FIG. 2C.

In accordance with the invention, base computer 21 is in communicationwith display screen 29 through its corresponding transceiver 128. Thecommunication between computer 21 and display screen 29 can occur inmany different ways. In one way, transceiver 128 receives a first signalfrom base computer 21 and, in response, display screen 29 displaysgraphics corresponding to it. The graphics displayed in response to thefirst signal correspond to graphics displayed with base computer 21 onits display screen 56. Graphics are displayed by display screen 29 byactivating and deactivating pixels and by providing the activated pixelswith a desired color. Hence, the pixels activated on display screen 29,and their corresponding pixel colors, correspond to those activated ondisplay screen 56. Further, the pixels deactivated on display screen 29correspond to those deactivated on display screen 56. Another waycommunication occurs is when base computer 21 displays graphics inresponse to receiving a second signal from transceiver 128 frominteractive screen display 12. The second signal is provided bytransceiver 128 in response to information being inputted withinteractive screen display 12. Hence, the pixels and pixel colorsactivated on display screen 56 correspond to those activated on displayscreen 29.

The information can be inputted with interactive screen display 12 inmany different ways. In this embodiment, display screen 29 istouch-sensitive and the information is inputted by touching it with aninstrument, such as a human finger or stylus. The information can alsobe inputted using a peripheral input device, such as a computer mouse,keyboard, and the like, as will be discussed in more detail with FIG. 3.The operation of computer system 10 will be discussed in more detailwith FIG. 5.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views of interactive screen display 12 showingdisplay module 15 and keyboard module 18 in stored and unstoredpositions, respectively. In the stored position, display module 15 andkeyboard module 18 are engaged with each other and keyboard 17 facesdisplay screen 29 so that interactive screen display 12 is in a positionof non-use. Display module 15 and keyboard module 18 can be held in thestored position in many different ways, such as, without limitation,with a snap lock 79 (FIG. 4) or friction fit mechanism. It should benoted that other latching or fastening mechanisms can also be used. Inthe unstored position, display module 15 and keyboard module 18 aredisengaged from each other and keyboard 17 is away from display 29.Interactive screen display 12 is in the unstored position in preparationfor use, as discussed with FIG. 2C, or in preparation to be moved to thestored position, as discussed with FIG. 2A.

In this embodiment, keyboard 17 is positioned on an enclosing side 39 ofkeyboard module 18. A cover side 39 of keyboard module 18 generallyincludes a hard material in order to protect display screen 29 duringnon-use. Cover side 39 is also flat to allow interactive screen display12 to be carried easier and stored more conveniently. In thisembodiment, a prop stand 27 is rotatably coupled to an end of housing 33with a hinge 42 so it is moveable between a stored position towardshousing 33 and a deployed position away from it (not shown). Inaccordance with the invention, display module 15 and keyboard module 18are moveable between the stored and unstored positions so that keyboardmodule 18 operates as a cover. Further, display module 15 and keyboardmodule 18 are moveable between the stored and unstored positions to thedeployed position, as will be discussed in more detail presently.

FIG. 2C is a side view of interactive screen display 12 supported on awork surface 52 in its deployed position, wherein keyboard module 18 iscoupled to display module 15 and operates as a stand, in accordance withthe invention. Keyboard module 18 is positioned on work surface 52 withcover side 36 engaging it. Display module 15 is positioned on module 18and a prop 64 is positioned to hold housing 33 at an angle 61 relativeto work surface 52. In this way, keyboard module 18 operates as a standfor display screen 29. In this embodiment, prop 64 is integrated withkeyboard module 18 and engages prop stand 27, although it can engageportions of housing 33 in other examples. Here, prop stand 27 is in itsstored position engaged with housing 33. Prop stand 27 can be held tohousing 33 in many different ways, such as, but not limited to, by usinga mechanism similar to that shown in the parent patent application Ser.No. 10/753,021.

Prop 64 can engage prop stand 27 in many different ways. In thisembodiment and as best seen in FIG. 1, prop stand 27 has three columnsand three rows of slots 67 for receiving prop tabs 70. Tabs 70 areintegrated with prop 64, as will be discussed in more detail with FIG.4. Prop tabs 70 are selectively placed in a corresponding slot 67 in adesired row, which correspond to a desired angle 61. In one example, thetop, middle and bottom rows of slots 67 correspond to angle 61 beingseventy-five degrees, sixty degrees and forty-five degrees,respectively. Hence, angle 61 can be adjusted to discrete values in arange from forty-five degrees to seventy-five degrees with respect towork surface 52. It should be noted, however, that other angles can beused and those discussed here are for illustrative purposes. In thisway, angle 61 is adjustable by adjusting prop 64.

FIG. 3 is a top view of display module 15, in accordance with theinvention. In this embodiment, display module 15 includes display screen29 integrated with housing 33, which forms a frame surrounding a viewingarea of display screen 29. In this embodiment, display module 15includes styluses 58, which are shown removed from correspondingcylindrical recesses 55. However, when not in use, styluses 58 can bestored in recesses 55. Styluses 58 are useful to input information withdisplay screen 29, but this can also be done using a human finger.

Display module 15 can include many different connectors housed withhousing 33. Here, display module 15 includes a USB port 85, displayinput connector 88, headphone jack 91 and audio input connector 94.Display input connector 88 is a nine-pin video connector, but it can beother types of video connectors in other embodiments. Display module 15can also include many different multi-media devices integrated with it.In this embodiment, display module 15 includes a video camera 97,microphone 99 and speaker 82. Video camera 97 and/or microphone 99 areused to record the interaction between the presenter and participantsalthough, in some situations, this interaction does not have to berecorded, but can be transmitted to other interactive displays. This isuseful in teleconferencing situations in which system 10 is being usedas a conferencing station and the participants are located at differentlocations and not necessarily at the same location as the presenter. Theinteraction can be stored in many different ways, such as with memoryincluded with interactive screen display 12 or base computer 21.

In this example, prop stand 27 is engaged with housing 33 so thatdisplay module 15 is in a configuration for use as a tablet-typeinteractive screen display. In this embodiment, cleats 48 aresupplemented by additional cleats 73 on a back surface near a top ofprop 27 to provide a cushioned and slide resistant engagement with worksurface 52. Cleats 48 and 73 are provided on the edges and comers ofhousing 33 that are most likely to engage work surface 52 to provideshock and slide resistance. Cleats are also placed along upper edges andcomers, as well as along the intermediate edges, of housing 33 foradditional shock and slide resistant benefits.

FIG. 4 is a top view of keyboard module 18, in accordance with theinvention. In this embodiment, keyboard 17 is in a proximal portion ofkeyboard module 18 and a recess 100 is in a distal portion. Prop 64 ispositioned so it will rest in recess 100 and prop tabs 70 areinterleaved with base tabs 103, when interactive screen display 12 is inthe stored position. When interactive screen display 12 is in itsdeployed position, base tabs 103 can be moved to engage and secure afront lower edge of housing 33, as shown in FIG. 2C. Even without basetabs 103, a proximal portion of a wall 106 forming recess 100 can beused as a stop for holding the front lower edge of housing 33 near cleat49. In this example, keyboard module 18 includes cleats 121 positionedon its corners on cover side 36 for cushioning and slide resistancebenefits as described above. Keyboard module 18 also includes cleats 122positioned on its comers on enclosing side 39 to help secure it todisplay module 18 when interactive screen display 12 is in its storedposition, as shown in FIG. 2A.

In accordance with the invention, keyboard module 18 includes a mousepad bay 112 and a mouse pad 115 integrated therewith. Mouse pad bay 112stores mouse pad 115 when it is not being used. When mouse pad 115 isbeing used, it is plugged into connectors 118 of keyboard module 18.Connectors 118 can be positioned at many different locations on module18, but in this example, they are positioned at its proximal edge nearkeyboard 17. It should be noted that in some situations, a wirelessmouse is stored in mouse pad bay 112 and can be removed therefrom andused instead of mouse pad 115.

Display screen 29 and keyboard module 18 can be in communication witheach other in many different ways. In this embodiment, they are incommunication through interlocking connectors 110 (FIG. 3) and 111 whichengage each other when display screen 29 is positioned in its deployedposition as shown in FIG. 2C. In other embodiments, however, they are incommunication with each other wirelessly so that keyboard 17 operates asa wireless keyboard and text is displayed with screen 29 in response toinput from it. Further, keyboard module 18 can be powered in manydifferent ways. For example, it can have its own power source, such as abattery, or it can be powered through the connection provided byinterlocking connectors 110 and 111.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of computer system 10 being used by apresenter 154 to present information to several participants 151.Computer system 10 allows participants 151 to receive, view, andmanipulate the same information on their interactive screen display. Inthis embodiment, system 10 includes interactive screen displays 12, 24and 30 in communication with base computer 21. It should be noted thatsystem 10 can include more than three interactive screen displays, whichis depicted by the ellipses and interactive screen display 130. Thenumber of interactive screen displays included in system 10 generallydepends on the number of participants 151.

In this embodiment, each interactive screen display in system 10includes a display processor, denoted as display processor 139. Further,base computer 21 includes its own processor, denoted as base processor133. In accordance with the invention, display processor 139 has lessfunctionality than base processor 133. For example, the functionality ofdisplay processor 139 typically includes providing communication betweentransceiver 128 and display screen 29 so that signals can flow betweenthem. Base processor 133, on the other hand, is a processor found in atypical computer and provides the functions of processor 139, as well ascomputer processing and communications. Processor 133 needs to be ableto process more information so it can communicate with a number ofinteractive screen displays, which can be sending it information withinthe same time frame.

Because display processor 139 has less functionality than base processor133, the operation of the interactive screen displays are controlled bybase computer 21. The functionality of a processor can be determined inmany different ways. For example, a processor with less functionalitycan operate at a lower frequency, have less memory, such as cachememory, and/or use less power, which extends the battery life of thedisplay module. An interactive screen display having a processor withless functionality also generally weighs less because it includes fewercomponents. A processor with less functionality also generally transfersinformation at a lower bit rate. In one particular example, baseprocessor 21 operates on 32-bit data while display processor 139operates on 8-bit data. It is well know that the electronics to process8-bit data is less complicated and less expensive than that for 32-bitdata. In this way, each interactive screen display is less complicatedand can be manufactured at a lower price than base computer 21.

In operation, participants 151 see the same graphics displayed by basecomputer 21 displayed by their corresponding interactive screen display.If presenter 154 highlights some text, for example, on display screen56, the same highlights will be displayed on display screens 29 of eachinteractive screen display included in system 10. Similarly, if ahighlight or text will appear on display screen 56. Further, in somesituations, that highlight or text provided by the participant willappear on the other interactive screen displays of the otherparticipants.

Whether or not this highlight or text is displayed on the otherinteractive screen displays can be controlled in many different ways,such as by presenter 154 using base computer 21. Hence, graphics can bedisplayed by one interactive screen display in response to informationbeing inputted through another interactive screen display. As discussedabove, the information can be inputted into the interactive screendisplay in many different ways, such as with a keyboard, computer mouse,joystick, stylus, human finger or another input device.

Particular embodiments of the present invention include a method ofcommunicating. The method comprises providing an interactive screendisplay comprising a display module with a housing which houses atransceiver and display screen in communication with each other; and akeyboard module having a keyboard, the keyboard module being adapted tooperate as a stand and input device for the display module. The methodfurther includes providing a base computer and establishingcommunication between the transceiver and base computer.

Other embodiments of the method include displaying graphics with thedisplay screen in response to the transceiver receiving a signal fromthe base computer, the graphics corresponding to graphics displayed withthe base computer. The method further includes displaying graphics withthe base computer in response to receiving a signal from thetransceiver, the signal being provided by the transceiver in response toinformation being inputted with the interactive screen display. Furtherstill, the method includes moving the display and keyboard modules to adeployed position wherein the keyboard module supports the displaymodule and operates as an input device for it.

The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented in order tobest explain the present invention and its practical application and tothereby enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use theinvention. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognizethat the foregoing description and examples have been presented for thepurposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forthis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possiblein light of the teachings above without departing from the spirit andscope of the forthcoming claims.

1. A computer system, comprising: an interactive screen displayincluding a display module with a transceiver and display screen incommunication with each other; and a base computer in communication withthe display module through the transceiver, the display moduledisplaying graphics corresponding to graphics displayed by the basecomputer.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the display screen displaysgraphics in response to the transceiver receiving a signal from the basecomputer, the graphics being displayed by the base computer and displayscreen being the same.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the basecomputer displays graphics in response to receiving a signal from thetransceiver, the signal being provided by the transceiver in response toinformation being inputted with the interactive screen display.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein the display screen is a touch sensitivedisplay screen and the information is inputted with the interactivescreen display using the touch sensitive display screen.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein the display module includes a power system and adisplay processor connected with the display screen and transceiver,wherein the power system is powered by a rechargeable battery and/or anAC power source.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the display moduleincludes a single housing which houses the transceiver, display screen,display processor and power supply.
 7. The system of claim 1, whereinthe interactive screen display further includes a keyboard moduleadapted to operate as a stand and input device for the display module.8. The system of claim 1, further including a plurality of interactivescreen displays, each having a corresponding display module whichdisplays the same graphics as the base computer.
 9. An interactivescreen display, comprising: a display module; and a keyboard modulehaving a keyboard, the keyboard module being adapted to operate as astand and input device for the display module.
 10. The interactivescreen display of claim 9, wherein the display module includes a housingwhich houses a transceiver and display screen in communication with eachother.
 11. The interface of claim 9, wherein the display and keyboardmodules are moveable between a stored position where they face eachother and the keyboard module operates as a cover for the displaymodule, and a deployed position wherein the keyboard module operates asa stand and input device for the display module.
 12. The interface ofclaim 11, wherein the display screen displays information in response toan input from the keyboard when the display module and keyboard are inthe deployed position.
 13. The interface of claim 11, wherein thekeyboard module includes a prop adjustable to adjust the positioning ofthe display module when it is in the deployed position.
 14. Theinterface of claim 9, further including a peripheral input deviceconnected with the display or keyboard module.
 15. The interface ofclaim 9, further including a mouse pad connected to the keyboard module.16. The interface of claim 9, further including a multi-media deviceintegrated with the display module.
 17. The accessory of claim 9,wherein the display module is formed of a single housing which houses atleast one of a camera, speaker and microphone.
 18. The accessory ofclaim 9, wherein the display module is formed of a single housing whichhouses at least one of a USB connector and a nine-pin video connector.19. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the display module comprises adisplay screen supported within a housing, the display module furtherincluding at least one display input connector supported in the housing.20. The accessory of claim 9, wherein the display module comprises adisplay screen supported within a housing, the display module furtherincluding at least one headphone jack supported in the housing.
 21. Theaccessory of claim 9, wherein the display module comprises a displayscreen supported within a housing, the display module further includingat least one audio input connector supported in the housing.
 22. Theaccessory of claim 9, wherein the display module comprises a displayscreen supported within a housing, the display module further includingat least one speaker supported in the housing.
 23. A method ofcommunicating, comprising: providing an interactive screen displaycomprising a display module with a housing which houses a transceiverand display screen in communication with each other; and a keyboardmodule having a keyboard, the keyboard module being adapted to operateas a stand and input device for the display module; providing a basecomputer; and establishing communication between the transceiver andbase computer.
 24. The method of claim 23, further including displayinggraphics with the display screen in response to the transceiverreceiving a signal from the base computer, the graphics corresponding tographics displayed with the base computer.
 25. The method of claim 23,further including displaying graphics with the base computer in responseto receiving a signal from the transceiver, the signal being provided bythe transceiver in response to information being inputted with theinteractive screen display.
 26. The method of claim 23, furtherincluding moving the display and keyboard modules to a deployed positionwherein the keyboard module supports the display module and operates asan input device for it.